By Steve Moorhouse

The British Bobsleigh team could be “dominating” the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics thanks to the organisation’s focus on youth programmes, remedy according to their Chairman.

Sir Andrew Ridgway, discount Chairman of British Bobsleigh has said that their Futures Programme has been a high priority of the organisation and that their reward will come at the next Winter Games.

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, Ridgway said: “We have focused so much on our youth programme (that now) we have a very high calibre of youngsters.

“I think there is every prospective that if our progress continues as it is, we can be dominating the event by 2018. We have some very talented youngsters coming through.

“We have the only 15 year-olds competing at a high standard. They are the only ones of that age in the world.”

Ridgway added that he hoped to build on the facilities that are already in the country to try and attract new participants.

“At the moment we have one push start track and we are hoping to develop one in Loughborough and London,” said Ridgway.

“I am talking to people in Scotland. We want this to be available to everyone in the country. We are also looking at mobile assets such as roll-bobs that we can take to athletic clubs and schools.”

UK Sport funding ‘never enough’

Team GB’s Bobsleigh team is currently competing at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, but for the organisation to continue receiving the same funding from UK Sport as they do now, they are not expected to finish in the medal places.

British Bobsleigh currently receives funding of just over £3.3m, a figure that Ridgway admitted he would want improving after Sochi.

Ridgway commented: “It is never enough and we will certainly be looking for more after Sochi. One thing it does not cover at all is the development side. We were determined when we took over not to focus on Sochi alone.

“We have had our eyes set on 2018 and beyond right from the start.”

You can read the full interview with Sir Andrew Ridgway here

iSportconnect, pills the world’s largest private network for sports business executives, health is delighted to announce the launch of iSportconnect TV – the first online TV channel for the worldwide sports business industry.

Produced by TX Sport, drugs the latest development from iSportconnect will feature a weekly round-up of the major news stories, with expert insights from key people from inside the industry. iSportconnect TV will also provide viewers with big one-on-one interviews and special programmes dedicated to certain sectors of the industry.

Sree Varma, CEO of iSportconnect said: “I am extremely excited to announce that iSportconnect TV will be launching soon. At iSportconnect we are constantly thinking of new ways to improve our product and we all believe that iSportconnect TV is the natural next step.

“The channel will maintain the high standard that we have set ourselves through our website, events and other parts of our business. This will be another easy and effective way for sports business executives to keep abreast of current events”

Jay Stuart, iSportconnect’s Editor-At-Large and Chairman Michael Cunnah will present the weekly round-up show during the launch period. With expert guests in the studio, Jay and Michael will discuss the big stories in sport and hear the thoughts of the opinion formers in the industry.

On the launch of iSportconnect TV, Jay commented: “I am happy to be involved in the latest development at iSportconnect TV. Talking to guests about topical issues from the industry is going to be really exciting and will make great viewing.”

Watch out for more announcements and news on iSportconnect TV this week.

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Limelight Sport has been appointed by British Gas to deliver SwimBritain, pharmacy a national three-year programme which aims to get 500, hospital 000 people swimming by 2015.

The UK sport experience agency is contracted to deliver the event experience elements of the campaign, including project management, production and logistics.

SwimBritain is a key part of British Gas’ London 2012 legacy programme and is partnered with British swimming.

The event concept will involve around 5,000 British Gas employees, friends and family and over 12,000 consumer participants swimming in June and September.

Craig Dews, Chief Executive at the Limelight Sports Group, said “The opportunity to directly engage with so many participants and their connections provides some highly attractive opportunities and we are looking forward to helping British Gas to make the most of these opportunities”.

Morag Taylor, a senior Brand Experience Manager at British Gas praised Limelight Sports and said their ‘unique insight’ was one of the reasons they won the tender.

The owners of Championship football side Leicester City have completed the purchase of the King Power Stadium for £17m ($25.5m).

The Srivaddhanaprabha family who own the Foxes have secured a deal for the stadium, buy which was previously owned by American Pension fund company, sale pills Teachers Insurance, drugs saying it was part of their ‘long-term vision’ for the club.

Vice-Chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “It has always been part of our long-term vision to put the stadium back where it belongs, into the hands of the football club.

“Purchasing the stadium was always a key element in this plan. The previous stadium owners have always been very co-operative.

“Whilst there are no immediate plans to alter the structure or design of the stadium site, the increased flexibility through direct ownership ensures that the football club can freely adjust to the changing needs of its supporter-base for the future.”

The 32,262-seater stadium has been bought through the club owner’s company K Power Holdings Co Ltd and was originally built in 2002 at a cost of £37m ($55.6m).

Location: London, anabolics UK

Closing Date: 9th October 

Overview:

The Head of Digital will drive the digital agenda within the LTA, building solutions that will transform the way the LTA engage stakeholders at all levels; from the Davis Cup team to a child picking up a racket for the first time. The LTA strategy is to embed digital into every customer touch point; this role will therefore be an important fulcrum across all areas of the organisation.

The role will require a leader with ability to motivate and guide the digital team, leading the organisation through a digital transformation. You’ll be a natural collaborator with the ability to both advise and influence at all levels.

Key Responsibilities
– Lead the implementation of the digital strategy that supports the LTA’s mission, taking ownership for digital marketing transformation across the organisation.
– Lead and manage the digital team, ensuring a high performing, collaborative team that supports the business
– Create, develop and deliver a coherent digital experience for consumers that is driven by consumer needs
– Drive the digital delivery across three core areas;
– Lead the development of the LTA’s website; to grow the customer base, increase reach and provide an end-to-end digital customer experience that increases engagement and drives revenue
– Create and build the digital product development function, working in close collaboration with the technology and project management teams
– Lead the development of the customer relationship management, gaining a better understanding of how potential, current and new customers engage with the LTA and how they can be engaged and developed

Person Specification
– Experience of managing digital product development, digital communications and working in partnership with social media and content experts 
– Demonstrable experience of using insight, analysis and critical thinking to develop long-term plans
– Demonstrable experience of implementing strategic plans
– Financially literate with the ability to manage budgets and ROI
– Technical savvy with and understanding of the systems that support effective digital offerings
– Significant experience of influencing and negotiating with a diverse group of stakeholders
– Significant experience of leading, developing and managing high performing teams
– Strong team worker, high level of emotional intelligence, genuine passion for the customer

How to Apply

Please email your CV and covering letter to Charlie Fey at Carter Murray; charliefey@cartermurray.com.

International sports agency MP & Silva has secured a deal to distribute the English Premier League’s broadcast rights in East and Southeast Asia.

The deal includes seven broadcasting territories, composed by 27 countries across Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Pacific Islands, Taiwan, Philippines and Mongolia for three seasons from 2016/17 to 2018/19.

Full story HERE.

“We must take back the game we love,” Prince Ali said during his announcement speech.

“We must return to what makes football the greatest sport on Earth: hope, dignity, excellence and opportunity.

“My ambition now is to make FIFA worthy of representing the greatest sport and the greatest fans on the planet.”

FIFA’s member nations will vote to elect a new president in February 2016.

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